by JOHN CAMPANY

THE Essex and Suffolk Border League Knockout Cup was the primary attraction on Saturday.

Fifteen first-round proper ties were played.

There was a giant-killing act as division two side Harwich Rangers sprang a surprise, defeating premier division Hatfield Peverel 3-2.

Lawrence Hale and Joel Older scored for the visitors but they were undone by Rangers marksmen Leroy Eade, Andrew Hammett and Chris Johnson.

The junior side have now been drawn at home against another senior side, Earls Colne.

Also from the second division, Tavern gave a good account of themselves, losing out in a seven-goal thriller to premier division Dedham Old Boys.

The 4-3 win for the visiting senior side was achieved through goals from Ryan Leeworthy, Tristan Molseley and one each from substitutes Mathew Halsey and James Parker.

Karl Clark, Michael Lockhart and Ashley Tappenden replied for the home side.

In the next round, the Old Boys travel to second division Tollesbury.

There was no such shock at third division St Osyth, who were comfortably beaten by holders Gas Recreation.

The home side trailed 2-1 at half-time but the league champions turned on the style with three second-half goals.

Aston Firkins and Callum Rogers each hit two, with the other from Harry Hewes.

Kalom Harms got the consolation for the Saints.

Gas will now have a home draw and entertain Colne Athletic, the leaders of the first division, at Bromley Road.

Colne beat visiting Cressing United 3-0, with goals from Daniel Bradley, Luke Rogers and Scott Yearling.

First division Bures United made progress, beating third division Little Clacton 4-2.

Ashley Drew scored twice while Jack Hubbard and Courtney Prince completed their tally.

Taylor McAndrew scored goals for the visitors.

Bures will now have a home tie against either premier division leaders Stanway Pegasus or Sudbury Sports, whose tie was abandoned and is subject to the Essex and Suffolk County FAs, who will need to adjudicate the circumstances of the abandonment.

Alresford Colne Rangers went through at Ford Lane, following their fine 4-2 win against fellow premier division side West Bergholt.

The home side were held 1-1 after 45 minutes but cruised home to win with goals from Elliot Aves, Aiden O’Brien and a brace from Gareth Evans.

Liam Close and Jack Harrington responded for Bergholt.

Flitch United fought a spirited second-half fightback at Great Bentley in another all-premier division tie.

Bentley had taken a 3-0 interval lead through Keiran Baker, Louis Olymbios and Jack Vaughan but replies from James Oates and Billy Sykes were in vain and Great Bentley will now travel to Tiptree Jobserve in round two.

A goal from Macauley Watson enabled premier division Lawford Lads to triumph over first division promotion hopefuls Gosfield United, to set up a visit to FC Clacton Reserves in round two after the Seasiders thrashed Kelvedon Social 9-0.

There were hat-tricks for both Lyndon Bramhall and Samuel Thompson and a brace from Sean Hillier.

Elsewhere, White Notley was seeking some respite from premier league action but their loss of form continued, losing their tie against visiting Tiptree Engaine 3-1.

They now meet Stanway Athletic or Mersea Island.

Shrub End United continue to enjoy their season as the division two side put out Belle Vue Social, from division one, 4-2, with goals from Ryan and Terry Amaas and a brace from Samuel Knill- Jones.

They now travel to Alresford Colne Rangers.

Unbeaten first division Tiptree Jobserve just got the better of premier division Little Oakley Reserves.

It was four apiece after extra time but Tiptree won through on penalties 4-3 and now entertain another premier division side in Great Bentley.

Results: Knockout Cup - first round: Alresford Colne Rangers 4 West Bergholt 2, Bures United 4 Little Clacton 2, Colne Athletic 3 Cressing United 0, Earls Colne 5 Boxted Lodgers 1, FC Clacton Res 9 Kelvedon Social 0, Great Bentley 3 Flitch United 2, Harwich Rangers 3 Hatfield Peverel 2, Lawford Lads 1 Gosfield United 0, Shrub End United 4 Belle Vue Social 2, Stanway Pegasus A Sudbury Sports A, St Osyth 1 Gas Recreation 5, Tavern 3 Dedham Old Boys 4, Tiptree Jobserve 4 Little Oakley Res 4 (4-3 pens), Tollesbury 2 Elmden Rovers 1, White Notley 1 Tiptree Engaine 3.

Premier division: Tiptree Heath 4 Brantham Athletic Res 4.

First division: Little Oakley A 5 Alresford Colne Rangers Res 2, West Bergholt Res 1 Stanway Pegasus Res 3.

Second division: Dedham Old Boys Res 1 Tiptree Jobserve Res 0, Hatfield Peverel Res 3 Brantham Athletic A 1, Hedinghams United 12 Gas Recreation Res 1, Tiptree Engaine Res 1 Great Bentley Res 2.

Third division: Barnston Res 4 Hedinghams United Res 0, Oyster 9 Bradfield Rovers 0, Cavendish Res 2 Harwich & Parkeston 4.